London to Paris on 6 months training?

[eggchaser1987]

I have seen a charity even that means riding from London to Paris in 4 days (according to the web site about 500 km).

I want to do something like this on a bike but only have started riding again properley this year (new year and all that). I have managed half marathons a few times but as they are just a one day thing I didn't think it was any relevance really.

What I am wondering is if I be mad and likley to damage myself trying this on only 6 months training orwould it make more sence doing it next year and training over 18 months?

[option click]

six months will be plenty of time. Most of the L2P charity routes are easy going as they have to cater for a very wide range of abilities and experience. From experience, the hilliest day is the first on the way down to Dover. Once you're in France it's all gently undulating countryside.

The four day trip is usually 80 miles a day max and it's all taken at a gentle pace.
I'd say that if at the end of your 6 month training you're comfortable doing 50-60 mile rides you'll be absolutely fine.

Oh, and make sure your bike is set up properly - that'll be the main cause of niggles and injuries.

[bakerstreet]

I think its possible.

I couldn't justify the expense of that I event, so I went for the 24hr Manchester to London.

I do hope to do the London to Paris event though. They look great fun.

OP: Which company are you looking at?

[oyster]

3 months would be fine.

Make sure you do 3 consecutive days of long rides (50 miles +). Use Easter or May bank holidays to do that.

[eggchaser1987]

bakerstreet said:

I think its possible.

I couldn't justify the expense of that I event, so I went for the 24hr Manchester to London.

I do hope to do the London to Paris event though. They look great fun.

OP: Which company are you looking at?

Was looking at http://www.londonparisbikeride.co.uk/ seam good, have sent of for some more info so wait and see

Sounds doable then so will try and get a friend and go for it!

Ordered a turbo trainer today as well so even more time in the saddle .

Plan is hopefully Monday and wedensday on the turbo. Friday medium ride Saturday longer ride Sunday medium ride again.
Hopefully I will stick to the plan!

[Marcellus]

From my experience of doing the L2P if you've got a pulse then you shouldn't have an issue with getting ready for it in 6 months.

When I first did it with a real mixed group there were people with bikes that we thought didn't have a cat in yells chance of getting there, overweight, unfit on bikes with flat buckled wheels...... Needless to say they found it a lot harder than those Lycra clad, carbon bike roadies... But they still made it.

The organisers set the pace for the slowest rider and stop very frequently to keep everyone together.

As said day 1 is the hardest and the whole group (50/75) had to stay together, was rather like the last day of the TDF, lots of catching up with mates we'd not seen for a while etc etc.

Day 2 and the organisers agreed that a group of about 10 of us could form a sub-group and treat it as several team pursuits.... The main group would set off, we'd give them a 30minute start and then set off and catch them... Once we'd caught them the organiser would say how far to the next stop and we'd push on and wait for them.... 30mins became, 40 then 50 and finally we were giving them and hours lead and getting to the next rendezvous an hour ahead of the final person in having only actually been in the saddle for an hour.

I think the organisers were working on a riding average of about 10mph......

[AyBee]

500km? I had one arranged as a work networking event, which I couldn't do in the end due to work commitments, that was Greenwich to Paris in 3 days and was, IIRC, 70 miles, 70 miles, 50 miles, about 300km in total...

To answer your question though, 6 months training for 125km/day should be easily doable

[JackP1]

I'd echo what everyone else says, its okay doing 70/80mile trips but you must be able to do them back to back. I did a 3 day ride where it was only 50/60mile a day, but finding the time to be able to do for training was a struggle. Your arse will be in a dire state buy the start of the third day.

[bakerstreet]

eggchaser1987 said:

Was looking at http://www.londonparisbikeride.co.uk/ seam good, have sent of for some more info so wait and see

Sounds doable then so will try and get a friend and go for it!

Ordered a turbo trainer today as well so even more time in the saddle .

Plan is hopefully Monday and wedensday on the turbo. Friday medium ride Saturday longer ride Sunday medium ride again.
Hopefully I will stick to the plan!

I spoke to someone on the phone from that organisation and they were very friendly and helpful. Others have also told me they are pretty good.

I have also bought a Turbo Trainer. Mine should arrive today It will be the only way that I will be able to get some training miles in during the week.

I've also booked a few Sportives as well as the PH cycling Weekend in Wales

[eggchaser1987]

bakerstreet said:

I spoke to someone on the phone from that organisation and they were very friendly and helpful. Others have also told me they are pretty good.

I have also bought a Turbo Trainer. Mine should arrive today It will be the only way that I will be able to get some training miles in during the week.

I've also booked a few Sportives as well as the PH cycling Weekend in Wales

Thats good to hear then. I have sent off for info from them. Trying to get a friend to do it as well, dont like being the little loaner in the pack!

Mine arived today also but no one was home to sign for it SWIMBO was meant to be in but decided to have a little wander down to the shops instead!

Think a month or so fitness building then I shall have a look for a local cycle club or something along thoes lines.

Starting to look forward to it now and I haven't even signed u pfor it yey!